2 weeks Ago
A back street that had been notorious as one of the worst for fly-tipping in Bolton has been turned into a clean and tidy oasis. The back street, behind Rock Avenue and Raimond Street in Halliwell, has been completely turned around thanks to nearby residents. They have turned it into one of the first green alleys in Bolton, which has now been visited by council cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Richard Silvester.
Cllr Silvester said: "It was a fantastic and inspiring visit and I was given a warm Bolton welcome. Councillors arrived to visit the back street (Image: Bolton Council) The residents took inspiration from other similar developments in Manchester after being told that the back street was one of the worst for fly-tipping in Bolton. They got to work ensuring the fly-tip was removed and that weeds were cleared alongside the council’s environmental services.
Halliwell resident Susan Jones said that over the last six to eight months more and more residents have joined in to make the street a pleasant place to spend some time. They have been planting garden tubs, recycling containers and watering shrubs, trees, fruit trees, bulbs and plants. The area has been hugely improved (Image: Bolton Council) Residents in nearby areas now walk through the back street to watch the progress on a weekly basis.
Along with Cllr Silvester, Halliwell ward councillors Rabiya Jiva and Safwaan Patel have been supporting the initiative and visited to see the back street for themselves. According to Halliwell Community Alliance member Gwyneth Bailey, this is one of several projects they are supporting where residents are helping to improve green spaces. The improved back street has drawn a lot of plaudits (Image: Bolton Council) This has included residents in Avoncliff Close working to improve a small, neglected park space where they go to exercise and hold regular picnics for all the neighbours .
St Josephs and the Church of the Nazarene have also developed community gardens which will be open to the public soon. ALSO READ: Alliance comes together to get people out and about to 'beauty on our doorsteps' ALSO READ: Neighbours join forces to clean up the streets ALSO READ: Investigation after huge fly tip sparks 'dismay' on Bolton estate Residents have developed a community garden at Harpers Lane, transforming former derelict land into a welcoming space for residents. Heather Berry, who leads the work in the garden, says she has been pleased to welcome diverse groups into the garden to plant bulbs, support weeding and planting.
Harpers Lane Community Garden, Halfway youth group and children from Taiyabah Mosque have been tending 10 trough planters installed on arterial roads this last year. They have been watering the plants, keeping them free of weeds and planting winter bulbs and plants..
